Thomas Kean

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. I urge the adoption of this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my warmest congratulations to the Arc of New Jersey as they celebrate their 75th anniversary. For the past 75 years, the Arc of New Jersey has admirably supported individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They have made a significant impact by securing quality education and healthcare, equipping disabled individuals with vital workplace skills, and advocating for this community at all levels of government. The Arc of New Jersey has certainly improved the quality of life for thousands of New Jersey residents, and the Seventh District is both proud and grateful to have such an outstanding organization operating in our communities. I wish the Arc of New Jersey a wonderful 75th anniversary. I thank them again for their dedication and passion to making our communities safer, healthier, and more inclusive places to live and work. I have no doubt that this organization will continue to thrive in the future.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Sparta UNICO on its 25th anniversary. As the name UNICO attests, this organization is truly unique. It combines a celebration of Italian-American culture with a passion for charitable initiatives and local community service. From awarding students in our school districts with academic scholarships, to fundraising for local food pantries and other charities, Sparta UNICO has impacted the lives of many residents in New Jersey's Seventh District. Our communities have certainly benefitted from the noble efforts of Sparta UNICO, and I am grateful to have such an exemplary organization operating in our district. I wish UNICO a wonderful 25th anniversary. I thank them again for promoting such incredible cultural diversity in our communities, and for admirable dedication to making our district a healthier, safer, and more vibrant place to live.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend and former NYPD Detective Anthony D'Esposito for holding this Special Order today to honor the life and the memory of New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller. On March 25, 2024, during a routine traffic stop in Queens, New York, Officer Diller was shot by man with 21 prior arrests who was released on parole just 3 years ago. The fact that this killer was able to be released on parole should be a shock to anyone and is unfortunately endemic to the soft-on-crime policies that extreme Democrats are pushing across the country. This tragedy was entirely avoidable, and we as leaders must act to ensure that it does not happen again. I rise today to honor a young man who was a credit to his community and to his profession. During his 3 years in the NYPD, Officer Diller was recognized three times for excellent police duty. He was respected in his community and deeply loved, as seen in the tremendous outpouring of support during his funeral and wake services last week. Let us remember the sacrifices that he made and the lives he touched. We in this Chamber need to make clear our complete support for the brave men and women who proudly wear the badge, risking their lives to keep our communities safe. I offer my sincerest condolences to Jonathan's wife, family, and the NYPD community. To those members of law enforcement and first responders in New York, in New Jersey, and across our country, stay safe and know that we are with you.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ellen Locker on her retirement and honor her 26 years of service as a member of the Hunterdon Health System Board of Trustees. Under the exemplary leadership of Ms. Locker, the Hunterdon Health System has undergone tremendous growth. Including the opening of the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center, the opening of the Norman and Denise Guilloud Cardiovascular Center, and the expansion of primary care and health and wellness care systems across New Jersey. During this time, Hunterdon Health not only expanded its physical network, but also increased its capacity to care by adopting and providing new and innovative procedures to treat a wider range of issues. Furthermore, Hunterdon Health achieved impressive recognitions during the tenure of Ms. Locker, including eight consecutive `Leapfrog A' Hospital Safety Grades, four-time Magnet hospital designation, and its first 5- Star award from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In 2020, Ms. Locker championed the greatest governance reorganization in the organization's history while simultaneously guiding the health system through the unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The revised governance model reshaped the 41-member representative body into a streamlined Board of 15 Trustees and resulted in the elimination of redundancies, an increase in efficiency, and a greater alignment with Hunterdon Health's mission and strategic direction. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Locker for her many contributions to residents in the 7th District and across the state of New Jersey. Ms. Locker is an example of one of the many innovative leaders which makes the 7th District strong, and I congratulate her on a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Holland Township on its 150th Anniversary. Bordered by the Delaware and Musconetcong Rivers, Holland Township exemplifies both natural beauty and a deep cultural history. It was officially founded in 1874 and has since grown into a vibrant center of agriculture, commerce, and recreation. Holland Township residents are protected by a dedicated police force that epitomizes resilience and selflessness, and its strong education system is helping prepare New Jersey's next generation to address the issues that continue impacting our communities. I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to all of Holland Township's residents on this special occasion. I am proud to have such an exemplary town in the 7th District, and I have no doubt that it will continue to prosper over the next 150 years and beyond.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Abilities of Northwest Jersey on their 50th Anniversary. Over 50 years ago, a group of 14 grassroot advocates, including parents and members of the New Jersey community, came together to incorporate Abilities of Northwest Jersey as an organization fulfilling the vocational needs of adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Starting as a small workshop serving 13 individuals in Washington, NJ and partnering with local companies, this group of advocates had a mission to improve the employability and quality of life for people with disabilities, leading to their sense of self-worth and independence. Thanks to their efforts, Abilities was legally incorporated in 1974. Since that time, Abilities have grown exponentially, serving individuals of all levels of abilities, through the expansion of various programs and services. Abilities now serves over 375 individuals and their families throughout the northwest region of the state. They are not only the disability employment experts for this region, but the professional staff also support those who are significantly challenged with medical or behavioral needs. Their services are both exemplary and accredited by CARE International. They have also opened a variety of Social Enterprises that offer vocational training opportunities as well as a valued service to our community-- PrintAbilities, SustainAbilities Electronics Recycling and PossAbilities Thrift Boutiques. I am so proud of their accomplishments, the positive impact they have made on thousands of lives, and the exciting future that lies ahead.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from New York for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule providing for H.R. 7160, the SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act. This crucial piece of legislation is aimed at providing much-needed tax relief to hardworking families across my home State of New Jersey and to many families across the United States. This bill begins to address the issue of double taxation that New Jerseyans and countless families far and wide have been hindered by for nearly 7 years--7 years too long, Mr. Speaker. We are trying to bring relief back home for the marriage penalty elimination. This will make an adjustment to the State and local tax deduction, specifically raising the cap from $10,000 to $20,000 for joint returns with adjusted gross income below $500,000. With this bill, we are acknowledging the economic challenges faced by our neighbors, ensuring that the tax burden is alleviated for those who need it the most. New Jersey families need tax relief right now, and this specific approach to doubling the joint returns cap is a critical and necessary step to taking the tax burden off the backs of our neighbors. The economic destruction of the SALT cap spares nobody. It deters young families from purchasing their first home, and it denies seniors the ability to stay close to their roots and near family. As a result, every industry across our great country suffers, and when that happens, no matter what your ZIP Code or your income, every individual is hurt in some measure. Let me be clear, this legislation is the floor, not the ceiling, for the SALT relief that we can and must fight to deliver for New Jersey families. To my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, we all represent different communities and districts. Let me remind each and every one of us that we all share the honor of representing hardworking Americans who play by the rules and simply want to be treated fairly.

Mr. KEAN

Mr. KEAN. Mr. Speaker, today, we must have the opportunity to come together with a united voice in this House for fairness. We can deliver immediate relief for those who need it. It would be a monumental win for millions of families across our country.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the career and accomplishments of Ann Marie Miller, a committed advocate for the arts, as she marks the closing of a 28-year career tenure that has shaped the art sector within New Jersey. Raised in East Brunswick, Ann Marie Miller was inspired by a strong high school arts program to become an art teacher. She graduated from Moore College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Science in arts education and taught visual art in both public and private settings. Her 28-year journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural tapestry of New Jersey. I applaud Ann Marie's dedication and she has most definitely made a significant impact in the arts community. I wish Ann Marie a peaceful retirement filled with joy, relaxation and cherished moments spent with loved ones.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my warmest congratulations to Community Options on their 35th anniversary. Community Options is a non-profit organization based in New Jersey, and it is dedicated to promoting self-determination and community involvement for people with intellectual and development disabilities. By providing these individuals with accessible housing and equipping them with skills to pursue careers of their choice, Community Options has changed more than 5,000 lives. This exceptional organization has tackled barriers that historically impeded people with disabilities, and in doing so they have brought extraordinary vibrancy, creativity, and diversity to our communities. New Jersey is both proud and grateful to house the headquarters of this exceptional organization. I wish Community Options the best of luck as they continue with their outstanding work. It has been a true pleasure to watch their organization grow and prosper over the past 35 years, and I have no doubt that they will touch many more lives in the future.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time, and I thank him for leading us here together in this Special Order. Mr. Speaker, President Biden's decision to indefinitely pause LNG export approval permits is misguided and wrong. It prioritizes radical activists over American energy security and the security of our allies abroad. This pause is economically and strategically dangerous and unnecessary. The Department of Energy has consistently found that American LNG exports serve the public interest by providing positive economic benefits and strengthens our energy security. Mr. Speaker, our European allies are seeking American energy leadership to counter Putin's weaponization of Russian natural gas exports. In December 2023 alone, over 87 percent of U.S. LNG exports went to the EU, U.K., or Asian markets. Any action that slows or halts the U.S. ability to export LNG would weaken global energy security. In Congress, and within this administration, we should be doing everything in our power to incentivize reliable natural gas and to grant the export permits that allow access to markets around the world. Policies that encourage LNG exports create good-paying jobs here in America and strengthen our allies abroad. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Biden administration to end this pause.

Mr. KEAN

Mr. KEAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this special order.

Mr. KEAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from the great State of New York (Ms. Malliotakis).

Mr. KEAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Rose).

Mr. KEAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. LaMalfa).

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 22 seniors in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. Last fall, my team and I called on the residents that I represent to nominate a senior that had distinguished themselves through the contributions they had made to our communities. I was seeking hardworking, passionate individuals who have been living a life of public service, whether it be through their personal, professional, philanthropic, or volunteer efforts. In December 2023, I hosted my first annual seniors of distinction program to recognize the outstanding citizenship in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. I was honored to receive over 100 nominations from their friends, family, and neighbors, and had a difficult time narrowing it down to 22 senior citizens who represent all six counties in my district. The seniors who were selected were chosen for their long history of giving back to their community and for continuing to lend their expertise, their experience, and their many talents to helping and supporting others. Every honoree had a long list of achievements, but, more importantly, a long list of charitable, spiritual, and philanthropic activities which they devote their time and energy to every day. Mr. Speaker, I will list these honorees: Barbara Agins of Somerville; Raymond Chimileski of Califon; Charles Fineran of Hackettstown; Dr. Thomas Foregger of Berkeley Heights; Jeffrey H. Katz of Springfield; Linda Kale of New Providence; Dr. Ken Kutscher of Raritan Township; Shirley Lakatos of Berkeley Heights; James McCabe of Westfield; Robert and Dace McLaughlin of Basking Ridge; Howard Meyer of New Providence; Leon Moreau of Landing; Mayor Al Morgan of New Providence; Mitchell Morrison of Sparta; Barbara Perkins of Warren; Dr. Nancy Polow of Scotch Plains; Herb Waddell of Berkeley Heights; Ronald Whalin of Basking Ridge; Dr. Rudolph Willis of Warren; Rita Jordan of Branchburg; Larry Orlans of Hopatcong; and, Rheva Smickel of Belvidere. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the distinguished gentleman from the great State of New York (Mr. Langworthy).

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris).

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I also want to highlight another piece of legislation that I am spearheading, H.R. 1547, the One Seat Ride Act, which I introduced with Representative Watson Coleman of New Jersey, and I am glad to say this legislation passed this House in December in a large bipartisan fashion. This legislation directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct cost-benefit analysis of a one seat ride trip versus a transfer trip option during peak hours on New Jersey Transit's Raritan Valley Line. The results of this study would then be transmitted to key congressional committees. Currently, Raritan Valley Line passengers are forced to change trains at Newark Penn Station to access New York City and to make the same change headed westbound. A one seat ride allows passengers to take one- time efficient trains from stations such as Westfield, Somerville, and Lebanon directly into New York City. Since the bill passed in this body, we are now one step closer to paving the way for a more connected and efficient future where commuters can travel seamlessly both eastbound and westbound at all times of the day and night. For New Jerseyans, this means more time at home and less time commuting. My priority will continue to be breaking down transportation barriers by enhancing our region's infrastructure. Again, I am proud that this bill passed the House, and I am working hard to get the Senate companion bill introduced and work its way through the Senate. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Thespian Troupe 10385 at Hillsborough High School for their commitment to serving New Jersey and their community. This school raised 603 pounds of food for the Hillsborough Township Community Assistance Network Food Pantry as part of the Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat program. With their dedication and persistence, New Jersey was able to collect 8,953.17 pounds of food with 11 schools and 255 Thespians participating. It is students like Thespian Troupe 10385 that exemplify the best of New Jersey, working towards a cause and giving back to the community. I am incredibly proud of the students in this troupe and thank them for their service.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Pfluger).

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1547) to direct the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study on the costs and benefits of commuter rail passenger transportation involving transfers, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on H.R. 1547.